from the side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'from the side' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate physical position, as in, "We watched the parade from the side of the street." It can also be used to indicate perspective, as in, "From the side, it seemed like the perfect solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Curtis, from the side, looked delighted.

The New Yorker

It always looks easier from the side.

The New York Times

"He comes from the side".

The New York Times

"It comes from the side".

The Guardian - Film

"It has been hit from the side".

The New York Times

" 'I'm coming at him from the side.

The New Yorker

D'Arcy joins a ruck from the side.

The Guardian - Sport

From the side, this looks rectangular.

MIT Technology Review

And so this is looking at it from the side.

Cornell University

A video camera looks at the object from the side.

Stanford University

The subject was concurrently videotaped from the side.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action or movement, use "from the side" to clearly indicate the direction or point of origin, enhancing clarity and spatial understanding in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "from the side" when you actually mean "beside" or "next to". "From the side" indicates a direction or viewpoint, not simply a position adjacent to something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from the side" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify direction, viewpoint, or position. Ludwig AI examples show it describing physical actions like approaching or viewing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from the side" is a versatile prepositional phrase frequently used to indicate direction, perspective, or position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It's essential to use "from the side" to provide spatial or perspectival clarity, carefully distinguishing it from similar terms like "beside". When describing actions or observations, using "from the side" adds a crucial level of detail, enhancing the reader's or listener's understanding. Whether describing a tactical approach or a simple observation, this phrase serves as a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beside

Indicates a location next to something, rather than directly in front or behind.

sideways

Highlights the direction or orientation from the side, often emphasizing the visual aspect.

in profile

Refers to seeing something from its side view, often in art or photography.

laterally

Focuses on movement or position in a sideways direction.

from the wings

Describes involvement in a situation from a non-central, supporting role.

viewed edge-on

Describes observing something from the edge, providing a specific visual perspective.

from a flank position

Emphasizes the tactical or strategic advantage of attacking from the side.

on the margin

Suggests a position or involvement that is not central but rather on the periphery.

as a peripheral view

Specifies a view that is not central but located to the side.

diagonally

Indicates a position or movement that crosses from one side to another.

FAQs

How can I use "from the side" in a sentence?

You can use "from the side" to describe a physical perspective, as in "She approached the horse "from the side"". You can also use it metaphorically to indicate a different angle or viewpoint, such as "From the side, it looked much easier".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "from the side"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "laterally", "sideways", or "in profile".

Is it correct to say "view from the side" or "viewed from the side"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "viewed "from the side"" is more common when describing something being observed, while "view "from the side"" could refer to the perspective itself.

What's the difference between approaching "from the side" and approaching "from beside"?

Approaching ""from the side"" implies coming at something at an angle, whereas approaching "from beside" simply means coming from a position next to it. The former emphasizes direction, the latter emphasizes location.